Skip to main content
Microsoft Security

Check security settings in Windows Vista

The newest version of Windows is Windows 8, but we know that many of you still use Windows Vista.

The best way to ensure that Windows Vista is as secure as it can be is to use the Windows Security Center, which is built into Windows Vista.

The Windows Security Center can help you check the status of several security features on your computer, including firewall settings, Windows automatic updating, anti-malware software settings, Internet security settings, and User Account Control settings.

To get to the Window Security Center, click the Start button , click Control Panel, click Security, and then click Security Center. If Windows detects a problem (for example, if your antivirus program is out of date), Security Center displays a notification and places a Security Center icon  in the notification area. Click the notification or double-click the Security Center icon to open Security Center and get information about how to fix the problem.

Download Microsoft Security Essentials

Windows 8 comes with Windows Defender to help protect your PC from viruses and other kinds of malware.

Get more security information for Windows Vista